What is the history of the project?
The Celebrating UNSW Women project fulfills a long-held ambition by UNSW’s Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and UNSW Council to increase the visibility of UNSW women, including women from diverse backgrounds, across all UNSW campuses. The project is a celebration of the women students and staff, who are recognised in the renaming of buildings and spaces and the Celebrating UNSW Women Trail.
How were the women identified and chosen?
There was extensive consultation with members of the UNSW community including UNSW Council, faculty executive teams and Equity Diversity &Inclusion Committees to identify our women trailblazers. It was determined Phase 1 of the project – the renaming of buildings and spaces – would celebrate ‘firsts’. This includes the first women to graduate from faculties, schools and courses, to celebrate UNSW’s history and the trailblazing women who make up the UNSW community and story. A physical Women’s Trail across UNSW campuses has also been established as a way to increase the visibility of women in a permanent, physical way. The Trail will be added to and adapted over time via the use of QR codes. The physical Trail is supported with a virtual Trail on an accessible website, which enables users who aren’t on campus to explore the Trail. The Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab and its associated artworks, as well as other notable UNSW artworks by women, are included in the Trail. Former female students and staff were eligible to be included in the project but not current students and staff. All faculties are represented.
Which buildings and spaces have been renamed as part of the Celebrating UNSW Women project?
| Previous name | New name |
|---|---|
| F10 Chemical Sciences | F10 June Griffith Building |
| H13 Red Centre | H13 Anita B. Lawrence Centre |
| E19 Central Lecture Block | E19 Patricia O’Shane Building |
| Village Green grandstand | Moya Dodd Grandstand |
| Commerce Courtyard | Catherine Harris Courtyard |
| International Square | Eleonora Kopalinsky Lawn |
| Quadrangle Lawn | Helen Maguire Lawn |
| Science Lawn | Merilyn Sleigh Lawn |
| Lecture Theatre G02 inside the CLB | Diane Kell Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre G03 inside the CLB | Judith Bullerwell Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre G04 inside the CLB | Vũ Nhị-Thủy Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre G05 inside the CLB | Clara Patricia Alfonso Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre G06 inside the CLB | Annada Gohain Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre 103 inside the CLB | Helen Barry & Michele G. Blum Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre 104 inside the CLB | Patricia Elizabeth Mutton Theatre |
| Lecture Theatre 105 inside the CLB | Galina Sugowdz Theatre |
Why weren’t Paddington and Canberra campuses included in the building and space renaming?
Buildings and spaces on the Paddington campus are not currently named after people/persons – they are called Blocks (Block A – Block G) – so there is no gender inequity in naming. The UNSW Canberra campus is not owned by UNSW, so the project was unable to rename buildings and spaces there. The Paddington campus is included in the Celebrating UNSW Women Trail, and the equitable naming policy will include all UNSW campuses in the future.
Will there be opportunities to nominate people for inclusion on the Celebrating UNSW Women Trail?
Yes, a nominations campaign will be announced in the fourth quarter of each year.
Will there be opportunities to nominate people for future building and space naming?
A UNSW equitable naming policy is currently being developed which will outline the process and eligibility for the naming and renaming of buildings and spaces at UNSW campuses. In the meantime, we encourage nominations and feedback via email to alumni@unsw.edu.au
Is the Celebrating UNSW Women Trail and signage accessible?
Yes, the Celebrating UNSW Women Trail and all signage are accessible. UNSW consulted the Disability Innovation Institute at UNSW and engaged external design accessibility consultants to advise on the signage. Signage includes Braille and web pages are screen reader compatible via the QR codes.
Will the equitable naming policy only focus on women?
No, the equitable naming policy will be inclusive to ensure representation of the full diversity of the UNSW community. The policy is due in late 2024. Feedback and contact To provide feedback on the project and to report website or map issues please email alumni@unsw.edu.au